Ceramic Coating
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 856
Likes: 326
From: Illinois
@Randyp1234 Not sure which product you are looking for, Coating or Spray
Just went to the Adamspolishes.com website.
Just went to the Adamspolishes.com website.
- Advanced Spray $42.99 less 25% discount = $32.24 plus Tax and Shipping. https://adamspolishes.com/collection...ting™-advanced
- Coating $89.99 less 25% discount = $67.49 plus Tax and Shipping. https://adamspolishes.com/collection...ramic-coating™
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 203
From: Florida
If it were me, I would clay bar the entire car before you apply any of these ceramic coatings. The last thing you want to do is apply ceramic coating to a surface that has any grit, stains or environmental pollutants on the existing paint.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 36
Likes: 10
From: CO
As Pandaroo stated, the real work in detailing the car is in the prep work - decon, clay bar, paint correction, polish. Those are the steps that take additional knowledge, skill and time. Just wiping on and off a coating isn't going to give you the desired look. If you don't have the knowledge or time to do it right, then spending the money to have someone else do it is fine. Also know that you will have to do maintenance on the coating, its not going to last 7+ years if you do nothing.
I have detailed my cars myself and I have paid to have them done. Just depends on how much time I have and how soon I want it done.
I have detailed my cars myself and I have paid to have them done. Just depends on how much time I have and how soon I want it done.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 4,328
From: Alberta
Ceramic coating works best if you maintain it frequently. This means detail your car frequently. People hear "7 years! this means i don't have to wash my car for 7 years?!" Also a ceramic coating offers not "full protection" but rather, chemical resistance. Big. Difference. You'll still get etching from bird droppings, you'll still get water spots, acid rain will still eat away. It's just it will resist those things better... if you maintain the coating. It wont stop rock chips, it won't stop scratches, it won't really resist scratches.
As a 25+ year detailer, I still have not seen any reason to use or install a dedicated multi year ceramic coating. Instead, i use regular sealants applied regularly on top of a decent base layer. It works very well and is super slick to the touch.
If you do do it, DIY. Do NOT pay someone to do it. It's super easy to do yourself and it will cost you 1/20th of the cost. You basically wipe on wipe off. You can do it yourself for $100. Easier on a new car. more involved on an older car with stuff on the paint.
As a 25+ year detailer, I still have not seen any reason to use or install a dedicated multi year ceramic coating. Instead, i use regular sealants applied regularly on top of a decent base layer. It works very well and is super slick to the touch.
If you do do it, DIY. Do NOT pay someone to do it. It's super easy to do yourself and it will cost you 1/20th of the cost. You basically wipe on wipe off. You can do it yourself for $100. Easier on a new car. more involved on an older car with stuff on the paint.
Advanced
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 657
Likes: 200
From: Pa
Just me... Never put any coatings on and never had any problems. One stays outdoors... I hardly wash it and the paint looks great when I do.Paints are better than ever. 5-8 years later and still look great. Consider does it have to be reapplied... What happens after a fender bender. If I constantly parked under trees then I would consider it...otherwise not for me.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 4,328
From: Alberta
Paint is better than ever? We are living in the upside down, modern paint is terrible compared to a Toyota 25 years ago. Paint on my Lexus for example is highly resistant to scratching and chips, now Lexus paint is super soft.
This is my coating of choice
https://carpro.global/catalog/cq-uk-3-0/
I do like the notion that a fender bender means a ceramic coating is no good. Very creative.
This is my coating of choice
https://carpro.global/catalog/cq-uk-3-0/
I do like the notion that a fender bender means a ceramic coating is no good. Very creative.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 856
Likes: 326
From: Illinois
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 4,328
From: Alberta
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 934
Likes: 198
From: N. CA
I have never ever had any of my cars ceramic coated. To me I washed it regularly, every 2-3 weeks. Spray wax it after each wash, whole car wax every 6 months. The paint on my 17 ES still look great, which is park on my driveway 24/7/365. Again to me regular wash/wax is the key.
Last edited by lexsc4; Oct 12, 2023 at 11:22 AM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Ontario
DIY is the WTG
From dealership at time of purchase directly to my home garage then a coat of AvalonKing Armour Shield IX (it was on sale at 2 for one to Club Lexus members) So far so good. Bird droppings and bugs come off quickly with just a damp cloth. I will quick-wash when necessary with any reputable ph neutral ceramic coating compatible shampoo before coating again with the second bottle in two years. The forthright tech at my dealership recommended this approach instead of paying the detailers $1000. Before applying, I did find the Lexus paint job to be flawless.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Ontario
DIY is the WTG
From dealership at time of purchase directly to my home garage then a coat of AvalonKing Armour Shield IX (it was on sale at 2 for one to Club Lexus members) So far so good. Bird droppings and bugs come off quickly with just a damp cloth. I will quick-wash when necessary with any reputable ph neutral ceramic coating compatible shampoo before coating again with the second bottle in two years. The forthright tech at my dealership recommended this approach instead of paying the detailers $1000. Before applying, I did find the Lexus paint job to be flawless.